England v India Test 2018: Analysis of pacer Mohammed Shami's performance in Birmingham

Ajit Vijaykumar 22:12 01/08/2018
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  • India fast bowler Mohammed Shami was excellent on the opening day of the first Test against England in Birmingham. Bowling with high intensity from the first over itself, Shami maintained a tight line and bowled at good pace throughout the day.

    His only had two wickets to show for his efforts but Shami posed tough questions in every spell and was a treat to watch. What made his effort even more remarkable is the fact it came after a tough few months earlier in the year where he met with an accident and was involved in a domestic dispute with his wife.

    Shami proved why he is valued so highly by the Indians team. Here is an analysis of his effort on Wednesday.

    STATISTICS

    OVERS: 19

    RUNS CONCEDED: 64

    MAIDENS: 2

    WICKETS: 2

    ECONOMY: 3.36

    30-SECOND REPORT

    The one bowler who was expected to be undercooked coming into the first Test turned out to be one of the most effective. Shami bowled with venom, touching 90mph and getting late swing all day. He beat the bat numerous times with extravagant swing and on another day would have ended with five wickets. He generally takes his time to get into the groove but on Wednesday, Shami was spot on.

    GOT RIGHT

    Pace and swing. Shami pitched the ball up and moved the ball both ways. His attack from round the stumps to the left handed Keaton Jennings and Dawid Malan was excellent as he got the ball to hurry of the surface. He was the only Indian quick to hit the bat hard. If he keeps up this form, India will be well served.

    GOT WRONG

    When you get enough help from the pitch, the onus is on you to make it count. No point beating the bat all day and ending up with just two scalps. Shami’s experience should have told him to change his line of attack to get nicks, lbw or bowled. When the going is good, you need to cash in as a bowler because there will be days when you bowl on tracks flat as a table.

    VERDICT: 7 out of 10

    It could have been so much more in the wickets column. But can’t fault Shami for the skill and discipline he showed. Has given India great hope that they can get 20 wickets quickly even without Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in England.

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